Wanda Beth Jordan

Wanda Beth Jordan died Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2014 at her home in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona, surrounded by her loving family, following a lengthy illness. She was 81 years old. Wanda was born on August 31, 1932 in Garvin, Oklahoma to her parents, the late John Iver and Ann Elizabeth (McCormick) Benson. In 1946, Wanda moved from Oklahoma to Arizona and has, since, loved calling Arizona "home." She carved out a successful career in the banking industry where she was an excellent bookkeeper. Wanda taught her family, by example, the value of hard work. She was a loving and devoted wife to her dear husband, Jack D. Jordan, who passed away in January of 2012. In her children's eyes, she was perfect, and they have all risen up to "call her blessed." As her children married, and became parents themselves, Wanda was blessed with a new joy in her life; her grandbabies! Those grandbabies even gave her a new name, Mer, which was short for "grandmother." In fact, everyone in town knew her as Mer. She was a friend to everyone and a mother to all. Her doors were always open to everybody. Over the years, hundreds of high school kids would frequently come to her house and eat lunch! Mer never turned anyone away. She will always be remembered for her cooking prowess in the kitchen, because she was a phenomenal cook. Family meant everything to Mer. She loved each member of her family unconditionally and they, in turn, loved her right back. Spending time with her family, and caring for their needs, has always been a priority in her life. Mer looked forward to crocheting blankets for each one of her grandbabies as they were born. Those blankets now are considered to be priceless treasures by each one of them. Mer also enjoyed spending countless hours in her yard working in her garden. She kept a beautiful yard and always appreciated the help she would get from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by working in it. They were a tremendous help in keeping her yard so neat and tidy and, at the same time, it also strengthened their family ties. Mer possessed a sense of humor that was unmatched and, because of that, people naturally enjoyed being in her company. Throughout her long and happy marriage, Mer loved to go hunting and fishing with her husband, Jack. She truly found beauty in the simple things of life. She had a special affinity for music and loved to sing and dance. She and Jack could "cut a rug" like no other and always "wowed" the crowd whenever they danced the Jitterbug. This incredible and special lady will truly greatly be missed by all. Wanda is survived by 3 children: Terry Jordan Baldwin of Lakeside, Arizona, Mitch (Carrie) Jordan of Pinetop, Arizona, Sheri Jordan of Lakeside, Arizona; 8 grandchildren: Michelle Green(Todd), Sirri McNeil (Tyler), Chris Andreasen, Jack Jordan, Tyler Hamm, Mikaila Jordan, Leslie Jordan (and their brother, Conner), Mackenzie Jordan; 4 great-grandchildren: Scott Green, Haley Green, Trey Ruloph, baby Easton Michael McNeil; 1 great-great-grandson, Leo Scott Green and by a brother, James (Fay) Benson of Idabel, Oklahoma. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Wanda was preceded in death by a son, Michael Jordan. The public visitation and viewing will be from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Friday, August 29, 2014 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 30, 2014 at the Living Water Community Church in Lakeside, Arizona, where Pastor Herb Fortier will officiate. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Lakeside Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her forever sweetheart, Jack.